An Analysis of Namibia"s Intellectual Property System for Policy Development

Abstract

The main objective of this research study was to do a situation analysis of the IP system in Namibia, identifying its strengths and weaknesses. It also sought to review progress in IP system of selected African countries namely Ghana and Kenya in comparison to Namibia so as use them as future benchmark in the development of the Namibian IP system. The study also sought to make possible recommendations to the Namibian policy makers for future IP policy development. The study was conducted in Windhoek, the Republic of Namibia. The participants in the study were respondents from universities, research institutions, public institutions and the general public. The data collection method that was applied included interviews, questionnaires and reviewing of relevant literature on the subject matter under review. Purposive sampling techniques were used to analyse and interpret the data collected for the respondents to achieve the objectives of the study. Both the qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to collect data which enabled the researcher to answer the research questions on the analysis of the Namibian IP system for policy development. Notable limitations to a successful completion of the study included but not limited to time, lack of ICT infrastructure, financial resources and work commitment. The research found that the Namibian IP system lags behind in terms of the availability of relevant ICT infrastructures that are needed to manage IP assets. It was also found that there is no national IP policy in place to guide and direct IP-related national development objectives. On a positive side, the target population showed a satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding of IP, in particular and policy formulation in general. Lastly, the research found that IP is more advanced in Kenya and Ghana compared to Namibia. The study was concluded by making several recommendations including the government’s commitment to formulate a national IP policy, use Ghana and Kenya as benchmarks for the development of the Namibian IP system and effective protection, enforcement of IPRs. The study also recommended that statutory IP institutions should be more pro-active in advocating IP-related matters to all corners of the country. Finally, the researcher recommended that further researches on the subject matter be encouraged so as to continue where this specific study has ended.